Education

Did you know that the Valley Animal Center offers field trips, humane education programs, and camps to students and community members all over the Central Valley? If you would like us to bring a message of awareness, compassion and citizenship to your classroom or community group, please click on the buttons for our programs below to see which one fits your needs.

Similar programs across the country have played a vital role in decreasing violence and increasing student engagement, focus and academic success. Animals Teaching Character was created in an effort to spread awareness about the plight of homeless animals, encourage community involvement, as well as develop the Valley Animal Center’s relationship with the community.

With many lesson plans and topics to choose from tailored to specific age groups, the Valley Animal Center can provide a unique field trip opportunity for students. We offer programs for students both at the Valley Animal Center (which includes a facility tour) and at their school or group location. The Valley Animal Center wants kids to know that they can make a difference, and that character counts with animals, too! For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact us at (559) 233-8690, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm or via email at [email protected]

Tails for Tots (pre-K)

The Tails for Tots program has been developed with preschoolers in mind. The program focuses on elements of empathy, responsibility, and kindness towards animals through the use of story-time, developmentally appropriate lesson plans, and positive interactions with specially trained education and outreach animals.

When children are able to see animals with understanding, they can reflect that same understanding on their relationships with others. Tails for Tots not only makes a difference in the lives of homeless animals, but also nurtures positive development in children that will last a lifetime.

For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact us at (559) 233-8690, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm or via email at [email protected]

Animals Teaching Character (K-12)

Animals Teaching Character is a unique program that combines humane education with Character Counts!* curriculum.

Animals Teaching Character brings a team of specially trained education and outreach animals to the classrooms of K-12 students throughout the Central Valley. These animal ambassadors assist our education staff with the teaching of a variety of humane education topics through positive interactions with pets.

The goal of Animals Teaching Character is not only to raise the status of companion animals within our community, but to nurture positive environments in which students can grow and develop.

Children's Camp

Valley Animal Center is proud to host a series of fun and educational children’s camps throughout the year. All camps will feature hands-on animal interaction, themed activities, and exciting special guests!